Labour pledges expansion of Māori Trades Training and Apprenticeship Boost to support rangatahi

On 17 October 2026, details emerged regarding a focused effort to address rising youth unemployment in Aotearoa, particularly for rangatahi Māori. According to a report by Waatea News, the Labour Party has committed to urgent action to reconnect young people with education, training, and meaningful employment as part of its 2026 election platform. With youth unemployment reportedly reaching 17.3 percent—a 30-year high—and approximately 100,000 young New Zealanders currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET), the proposed policy aims to provide targeted support for those most affected. The party intends to expand both the Apprenticeship Boost and Māori Trades Training programmes, with a goal of assisting 30,000 New Zealanders into work and training. This expansion includes extending employer support to two years and providing a $1,000 toolbox grant to help new apprentices begin their careers. Central to the plan is a commitment to the Māori tertiary education sector. Labour has pledged to protect the unique role of wānanga in research and education, ensuring that Māori learners can access quality training that reflects their specific whānau circumstances and aspirations. The party also plans to strengthen pathways through the Youth Guarantee and private training providers to ensure no young person is left behind by traditional education systems. Further initiatives include a $4.3 billion 'Start Work Now' plan aimed at creating jobs through infrastructure projects, such as building homes and repairing hospitals. To support graduates, Labour has also proposed a 10 percent cut to eligible student loan balances for those who remain and work in Aotearoa. The party has scheduled a comprehensive tertiary funding review to be completed by the end of 2027 to provide long-term stability for the sector.